Being Prepared

So not all of us may have our periods? Doesn't mean we can't all be prepared. Period or not one day it will come.

Before you can be prepared for your period you need to know what a period is If you don't already know you can read about that in the Facts of Life section.

All girls should have a supply of pads in their house. If you start your period and your mum isn't there it'll pay off if you have a stash of pads. Trust me. If you've already started you period and you prefer tampons then have those. Whatever you use make sure you have some spare because periods sneak up on the worst of times. If you haven't started you period I would recommend you have some pads with you instead of tampons because starting your period can be enough of a shock and you don't want the stress of having to learn to insert a tampon as well, say if you can't manage to get the tampon in then what are you gonna do?

At school I would also keep a pad in your bag or tampon if you've started your period and prefer them but remember don't rely on tampons if you've never used them before. You could keep a pad/tampon in your locker but if you go to the toilet and realise you have your period it would be a hassle to have to go to your locker then back to the toilet. If you feel embarrassed keeping a pad or tampon in your bag you could keep a coin and use the machine in the toilets to buy yourself a pad/tampon when you need it, assuming your school has pad and tampon machine. Otherwise you could keep one in a cosmetic bag, pad case or in a zip compartment of your bag. If you don't have any of those I wouldn't worry, pads and tampons are so cute and creative these days you don't even need to hide them! Plus all girls go through periods, when I'm in the bathroom and I hear a pad or tampon being opened I don't feel embarrassment for the girl I feel respect.

Tip: If you use tampons it would also be a good idea to keep a liner in your bag so you can have a backup if you leak.

Period Kits!

Once you get your period (or even before you do) a problem lots of girls face is finding a place to keep their supplies when they're on the go. This is why it's a good idea to have a period kit! Period kits are just a small collection of period supplies and other girly necessities!

The first thing you will need in a small bag. You can sew one yourself, use a pencil case or buy a small makeup bag from a pharmacy. You could also use a zippered compartment of school bag or purse.

What you keep in your period kit will vary depending on certain things, such as if you've had your period, what products you like best, how heavy your flow is and so on. Here are some things to put in your period kit!

♥ Liners♥ Pads♥ Tampons♥ Medication you take for period pain♥ Other medication you take, such as aspirin for headaches♥ Hand sanitizer♥ Tissues (these are handy if your cubical has no toilet paper)♥ A spare pair of undies♥ Feminine wipes

Here are some more extras if you wanted to turn your period kit into a girl emergency kit!

The quantities are up to you! I'm not going to tell you how many pads and tampons to carry because you're the person who knows your flow best!

Product Storage

Storing your products can also be an issue. Ideally you should store your products in a dry clean place such as in a draw. Keeping your pads next to the shower to soak up all the moisture is not good and you may find your ultra thin pads aren't so ultra thin anymore... I've found that opening a pack of pads before I need them can actually make them get a bit puffier. Keeping the pack closed keeps in the suction of the packaging and helps them stay "ultra thin" this however doesn't apply if your pads come in a cardboard box.

You should also keep your supplies somewhere free from insects, I don't know if it's just me but I wouldn't like the thought of a cockroach laying eggs in one of my pads! Eww!

If you like to keep your liners, pads and tampons organsied you can consider buying one of these boxes to store your products in.